Newcastle is known as a party city and every weekend sees hundreds of revellers pack its streets.

It’s the go-to place for girly weekends away (and for locals too) but there’s so much more to do just just going to the pub.

Now is an ideal time to plan a spring break and the North East is stuffed with ideas for a weekend away whether you’re a Geordie keen to enjoy your home turf a bit more or a visitor interested in exploring the area.

And if you think you’re familiar with the attractions on your doorstep then you may be in for a surprise in our guide to a girls’ weekend away.

We’ve come up with a range of ideas including indulgent spas, cultural excursions, foodie treats and outdoor adventure which, with the wedding season around the corner, could also offer a bride-to-be a hen party with a difference.

First up is our suggestion for something a little more quirky – if you’re in the mood for a touch of adventure – which will also offer up a chance to soak up some of the region’s fabulous scenery.

If you’re not looking for a wild night out on the town then “wild camping” under the darkest, starriest skies in Europe could be just your thing. Organisers say this is not so much “glamping” as a chance to switch off, find your “inner adventurer” and get close to the natural world.

Those yurts and tipis spread out over a 25-acre site in Northumberland National Park are pretty special, however, with wood-burning stoves, under-floor heating, candlelight and duck down duvets on proper beds (hand-built from reclaimed wood as an extra natural touch).

A couple of days promises a perfect opportunity to get out and about to enjoy fresh air and exercise while knowing there are some home comforts around when you return from your walks.

To while away the stresses of life, cooking over an open fire and admiring the surrounding landscape should have you refreshed by the end of your weekend break.

You might also want to squeeze in a trip to Hadrian’s Wall or, if you’re impressed by those Dark Skies around you, a visit to Kielder Forest and Observatory is well worth it.

The attraction has proved so popular with visitors that it’s set to open a second observatory later this year.

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Live it up around Newcastle’s bars

Newcastle is party city and you really can’t go far wrong in finding a route around town to suit your tastes whatever they may be.

Or why not try out a different circuit on each of your nights.

The famous Bigg Market remains a popular port-of-call for visitors while Collingwood Street - the so-called Diamond Strip - has been the place to see and be seen for those in full-on party mode, with the chance of spotting a local celebrity or Toon star (despite the need to queue) adding to the draw, but other bars are getting in on the act.

And then there are cocktail making classes to enjoy, many of which have optional extras such as canapes, games and competitions.

Cocktail-making sessions can be a fun way to kick off a weekend

The Botanist, near the Monument, for example is offering a Ladies Masterclass for £25 which includes making three cocktails - The Botanist; Poppy & Pomegranate and Raspberry Amaretto Sour and with optional extras including a peach and kiwi fizz drink on arrival for £5 of nibbles another fiver onto that.

And the historic Blackfriars has a bespoke Cocktail Making option for £26 per person up to 13 guests which will begin with a glass of fizz and then three-cocktail masterclass - plus home-made sourdough or biscuits - with some top tips from the mixologist. A three-course set meal (including 10% discount) can be added for£18.90. Where in Newcastle does bottomless prosecco brunches and how much are they?

If you’re looking for a different kind of night out then head down to the Quayside which is seeing a return to its own party heyday thanks to an influx of new bars and a renewed lease of life for some old favourites.

If you want to experience a proper mix of pubs then don’t miss the Victorian favourite Crown Posada, all stained glass and dark wood, and the all-time favourite Redhouse (where you can enjoy a good old British staple: pie and mash) both on The Side.

Then check out newbies such as Shilling before enjoying spectacular river views along the Quayside as you head towards The Pitcher And Piano.

Whichever route you choose you can be sure of passing a wealth of restaurants, including Italian, Indian and Chinese.

Have a carry on cruising

River Escapes, Newcastle Quayside

A trip up the Tyne is a great way to view the ever-evolving Quayside from a different perspective. River Escapes offer sightseeing cruises from March until October, so the new season is just getting underway.

There are three-hour party cruises on offer whose on-board disco will have you up and dancing once you’ve found your sea legs. They start at £15 for a club cruise or music cruise. A party cruise including buffet is £30.

These set sail from under the Millennium Bridge and travel out to the mouth of the river. En route you can enjoy a drink from the bar and the view from the deck during your pop-up for air from the disco.

On Friday nights boarding time is 7.30pm and the boat sets sail at 8pm then returns at 11pm but the bar stays open until i11.30pm ahead of disembarking time at midnight. Timings for Saturday and Sunday night cruises are all half an hour earlier.

River Escapes' Fortuna vessel cruises on the Tyne, photographed by Gary Ward

You could book your weekend break around a special themed party (and buffet) cruise which costs around £30, such as an eighties dance night; pyjama party and Wild West BBQ, but these sell out fast.

There are day-time options too, with sightseeing cruises running from March. a route revealing the scale of the riverside’s cultural renaissance from its indistrual powerhouse days. For £7, passengers can admire landmarks such as the Sage and Baltic as well as the Millennium, Tyne and High Level bridges. There’s also a Quay-to-Countryside option including some greenery for £11 and a Quay-to-Sea which ventures further out to take in some sea air for £13.

Soak up some peace at the Urban Beauty Retreat

If you’re looking to chill out rather than hot-foot it around town then a spa package at this hotel nestled on the corner of Newcastle's flagship Grey Street should do the trick.

It’s handy enough for those arriving by train and en route you might want to stop off Pleased To Meet You in High Bridge nearby for a cocktail - of at The Duke of Wellington almost opposite if a boozer is more your thing - before crossing its stylish threshold.

You’ll then find fluffy slippers and cosy bathrobes await at All About You, an Urban Beauty Retreat within the refurbished hotel which offers soothing massages, facials, body treatments, manicures and pedicures using top brands; all helping to make the hotel a perfect spot to enjoy some tranquility away from the busy city centre..

Special packages also include an afternoon tea or Fizz Fridays option and among January's deals is an Elemis superfood facial plus back massage for £49.50.

Why not treat yourself to a spa say treat and a pampering session on your weekend

If you do head out for some drinks afterwards then be warned: negotiating the bank down to the quayside is a problem in heels - and you don’t even want to think about the trek back up.

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Keep it cultured

Whether you’re into art, music, drama or comedy, Newcastle can provide it all. Why not plan a weekend around a gig - you’ll find the big names at Metro Radio Arena or City Hall. Or check out the Sage which, like the nearby Baltic gallery, is worth a look in its own right even if you just want to pop in for a coffee and to check out the views.

It’s best to pre-book if you want tickets for the Theatre Royal, while the really big West End shows tend to be over at Sunderland Empire which has the biggest stage in the North East.

For spur of the moment decisions, however, the likes of Live Theatre or Northern Stage offer a varied programme and will have matinee or evening availability.

If you’re arty, why not check out the watercolour collection at the Laing which is an artistic journey through three centuries. The art gallery also has the last self-portrait of van Dyck on show until June 2.

For a taste of local history, visit the Bessie Surtees House - a Jacobean home with a romantic history - on Newcastle Quayside or climb the steps to The Keep.

All that should all fill a couple of days and in the evenings you could unwind and have a laugh at The Stand comedy club, where Jason Cook is a regular, or if you want to try some of the best local cuisine around then treat yourself to a meal at one of Newcastle’s top restaurants: House of Tides, run by Michelin chef Kenny Atkinson, or Terry Laybourne’s Cafe 21.

You’d need to book well in advance.

Cut-price options that add a wealth of interest

You might have signed up to a girls’ weekend away but could do without spending to excess so here are a few ideas of what you can do for free.

Newcastle is a small, but perfectly formed, city centre, so you can easily walk around it and there’s lots to admire, not least the famous architecture in Grey Street.

Northumberland Street is a main draw for shoppers but you can still spend time window shopping without having a splurge.

Also why not spend a bit of time before you come in sussing out the latest meal deals and offers at city centre restaurants and cafes - these could save you pounds when you’re ready for a re-fuelling stop.

If your weekend is more about getting together with friends for a chat and catch-up, then time it right and you could spend it at Quayside Seaside which sees the riverside transformed with a sandy “beach” and palm trees in warmer months.

Town Moor in Newcastle (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Or a cheap way to while a way a sunny afternoon (if you’re lucky enough to have one) is to take a picnic and a bottle of fizz to the Town Moor. You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside.

Newcastle’s galleries and museums are free, save for certain exhibitions, and you’ll find the Quaylink bus is a reasonably-priced way to get around town.

Get the adrenaline pumping

Do you usually go along with traditional hen weekend plans but always secretly envy the action-packed stag jaunt? Well, those who have with an adventurous spirit and get itchy feet if they’ve too much idle time on their hands can get the blood pumping at Fury Events which is based about 12 miles out of Newcastle.

There, in around 2,500 acres of Durham countryside, awaits an opportunity to try out quad bikes. Put the glad rags away until later as this is a messy business.

Following a safety briefing and practice session, you’ll be off on an hour-long trail, half of which will explore woodland, forest terrain and slippery descents into mud and water.

Quad biking starts from £40 for an hour's session for between two and 20 people.

A Quad Bike drive can add a touch of adventure to a weekend away (Image: Getty Images)

From April 1 there will be 4x4 off-roading on offer too (and you don’t need a licence)

There’s also clay pigeon shooting and even axe-throwing which should let off a bit of steam. Or, if you have a sharp eye, why not try out archery which begins with target practice then takes a venture into the woods.

Remember a steady hand here is key so you might want to choose this for your Saturday day-time activity rather than following your big night out.

Special discounted party packages are available if you happen to be on a hen do.